Ukraine war briefing: backlash continues over the pope’s ‘white flag’ gaffe

News Snapshot:

Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed as “virtual mediation” from a distance Pope Francis’s call for talks under a “white flag” with Russia. Ukraine’s president made no direct reference to Francis or his comments but mentioned religious figures helping inside Ukraine. “They support us with prayer, with their discussion and with deeds. This is indeed what a church with the people is,” Zelenskiy said. “Not 2,500km away, somewhere, virtual mediation between someone who wants to live and someone who wants to destroy you.” Francis was criticised after saying Ukraine should have the courage of the “white flag” and negotiate an end to...